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Who's Your Independence Day Hero?

Honor service members who have helped keep America independent.

 

Independence Day is usually celebrated with barbecues, beer and fireworks, and for most, a day off from work.

But how did it holiday come about?

Independence Day marks the United States' adoption of the Declaration of Independence, declaring freedom from the Kindgdom of Great Britain. 

In order to keep that independence over the past 236 years, soldiers in America's armed forces have battled repeatedly to maintain the freedoms enjoyed by the country.

So, on this holiday, we ask readers to share their thoughts and memories of the soldiers–current and previous–who have helped keep America's independence.

Tell us in the comments section below who you'd like to honor, and feel free to upload photos directly to this article as well.

Happy Independence Day, Washington Township.

Related Topics: Fourth Of July and Independence Day

George Kafantaris

5:33 am on Wednesday, July 4, 2012

We should honor the document itself:
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed . . .

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Reality Chuck

9:00 am on Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Spot on George!!! If the nation ever started choosing "heros" we would have to a White one..(Gov't would skip that...), Black, Asian, Latino...Latina...,American Indian, Asian (other), Gay (male), Lesbian, Bi sexual, Trans gender, Trans sexual,
Since "Civics" is no longer taught, I am sure many don't know what the Declaration is compared to the Constitution.

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Moses Lonn

10:58 am on Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Will Smith ("I have GOT to get me one of THESE!")

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Tracy Tobin

11:34 am on Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Ray Millhime, a decorated WW2 Navy combat veteran, who passed away at 11:30 p.m. last night. One of the members of the Great Generation who went to war as a young man to help preserve the freedoms that we enjoy and celebrate today. He faced his death from cancer with the same courage he faced combat. Three weeks ago he attended his last meeting as Commander of the American Veterans Association of Washington Township, and told us that he probably would not see us again. How ironic that he passed away just 30 minutes before the Fourth of July began. I hope that people will stop for a moment today, and remember the men and women of WW2 who served so we can enjoy this day in a free country. God Bless Ray and all who served, those who continue to serve our country, and God Bless America.

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Minuteman Two

1:57 pm on Wednesday, July 4, 2012

I think that Tracy Tobin said it as well as anyone could regarding our "Hero". Ray Millhime was of a generation of Americans the like of which we may never see again.
His thoughts were always of "Country...Country...Country".

His passing last night leaves a gap in our ranks that will not be filled. Many Long Valley residents will remember Ray as the man who placed the floral wreath at the monument in Rock Spring Park every Memorial Day. Hundreds of students and teachers will remember Ray for his tales of his WWII Service in the Pacific as a young man aboard the U.S.S. Bataan aircraft carrier.

As a leading member of the Post 1776 "Living History" speaker's group Ray appeared at every school in Washington Township and throughout Morris, Warren and Sussex counties and communities in nearby Pennsylvania talking to students and teachers about America.

Ray visited Scout troops and church halls...and a college campus or two or three, talking about what made, and makes, America the Greatest Nation ever to grace this planet. He was proud in his love of this land and its' people and he let you know it.

Ray will be mourned and Ray will be missed but he will not be forgotten. Ray is our Hero. God Speed to you, our friend.

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MAJ Anthony F. "Tony" DeStefano USAR (Ret)

5:12 pm on Wednesday, July 4, 2012

I cannot tell you how touched I was and inspired by his courage in the face of certain death... He knew he was a "goner" and yet he accepted it without fear. I was fortunate enough to be at his "last meeting" with the AVAWT. I was pleased to join and proud that he shook my hand... Tony DeStefano

Jack Mahoffer

9:08 pm on Wednesday, July 4, 2012

My Hero is Jake Ryan. He was brave and 100% committed - and he left it all on the field. If it weren't for his visionquest as he evolved as a man I'm not certain he would have made such an indelible mark on the world. God bless Jake Ryan.

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Llama Tostito

8:21 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012

My Independence Day hero is William Wallace. Not only was he a central figure in America's struggle for Independence, but he also taught us that, "They may take our lives, but they'll never take our freedom!!!!!"

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